OpenAI deters international propagandists, HIV breakthrough, and more
Redacted news for June 5th
I was in a time crunch today, so I honestly didn’t have time to write an intro. However, I did some across some interesting stories I wanted to share. Like and follow if you’d like to see more. I hope you enjoy!
OpenAI takes down covert operations tied to China and other countries
OpenAI researchers have reported that Chinese propagandists are utilizing ChatGPT to generate social media posts and comments, as well as internal performance reviews detailing their activities. This development is part of China's broader strategy to influence public opinion and conduct online surveillance. OpenAI has recently dismantled several influence operations linked to Russia, China, and Iran, with four of these operations believed to originate from China.
One specific operation, named "Sneer Review," employed ChatGPT to create comments across various platforms, including TikTok, X, Reddit, and Facebook, in multiple languages. The posts addressed diverse topics, such as U.S. political actions and criticism of a Taiwanese game. The operation aimed to create a false sense of organic engagement by generating both posts and replies.
Additionally, another Chinese operation used ChatGPT to impersonate journalists and analysts, generating posts and biographies for social media accounts, translating communications, and analyzing data. OpenAI's report also highlighted that these operations included creating marketing materials that aligned with their online activities.
Despite the sophisticated use of AI tools, OpenAI noted that these operations were largely disrupted early and did not achieve significant engagement with real audiences. The report emphasizes the variety of tactics employed in these influence operations, but suggests that improved tools do not necessarily lead to better outcomes.
Breakthrough in search for HIV cure leaves researchers ‘overwhelmed’
Researchers at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Melbourne have made significant progress toward a potential cure for HIV by developing a method to expose the virus hidden within human cells. HIV's ability to conceal itself in certain white blood cells has posed a major challenge for treatment, as it creates a reservoir that can reactivate and evade both the immune system and antiviral drugs.
The new approach utilizes mRNA technology, which gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic through vaccines. The researchers demonstrated that mRNA can be effectively delivered into the cells harboring HIV by encapsulating it in specially formulated lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). This delivery method allows the mRNA to instruct the cells to reveal the virus.
The study, published in Nature Communications, highlights the development of a new type of LNP, referred to as LNP X, which can be accepted by the white blood cells that contain HIV. Dr. Paula Cevaal, a co-author of the study, expressed optimism that this nanoparticle design could pave the way for an HIV cure.
While the initial laboratory results were promising, further research is needed to determine if revealing the virus is sufficient for the immune system to eliminate it, or if additional therapies will be necessary. The study was conducted using cells from HIV patients, and translating this technology into clinical applications will require extensive testing in animals and humans, which could take years.
Experts in the field have noted the potential broader implications of this discovery for other diseases, including cancers. However, there are still uncertainties regarding whether complete elimination of the HIV reservoir is necessary for a successful cure. Despite some skepticism about the feasibility of this approach, the study represents a significant advancement in mRNA delivery for therapeutic purposes in blood cells.
US vetoes resolution for unconditional Gaza ceasefire at UN security council
The United States has vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution that called for an "immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire" in Gaza, while the other 14 council members voted in favor. The resolution described the situation in Gaza as "catastrophic" and demanded the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid. This marks the fifth time the U.S. has vetoed a ceasefire resolution to protect Israel, with previous vetoes citing the need for the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The resolution was co-sponsored by several countries, including Algeria, Denmark, and Pakistan, and received support from Russia, China, France, and the UK. France's ambassador to the UN criticized the U.S. for preventing the council from fulfilling its responsibilities, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the veto, stating that the U.S. would not support resolutions that equate Israel and Hamas or undermine Israel's right to self-defense. Israel's foreign minister expressed gratitude for the U.S. support.
The UK supported the resolution, with its ambassador condemning Israel's aid restrictions and military operations in Gaza as unjustifiable. Other council members, including Pakistan and China, criticized the U.S. for its veto, suggesting it would have long-term moral and political repercussions.
The resolution was proposed amid warnings from the UN and aid agencies about famine conditions in Gaza, exacerbated by a prolonged embargo on aid and issues with a U.S.- and Israeli-backed aid scheme. The UK representative called for an independent investigation into recent violence against Palestinians seeking food aid, emphasizing the need for Israel to lift its restrictions on humanitarian assistance.
In other news…
Donald Trump has ordered an investigation into Joe Biden’s actions as president, alleging top aides masked his predecessor’s “cognitive decline”. It is an attempt to discredit the former president and undo orders and pardons issued at the end of his term.
Sean Penn, Oscar-winning actor, and writer Dustin Lance Black have spoken out against US secretary of defense Pete Hegseth’s decision to remove the gay rights icon’s name from a navy ship.
Drug companies, such as Novo Nordisk and Amgen, have received opening price offers from the government in an attempt to lower Medicare drug prices. Negotiations could last through October.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development wants to limit the amount of time people can get federal rental substidies and add work requirements as a condition of funding. Any rule would be subject to a public comment period before being finalized, and could potentially face a legal challenge over the lack of congressional approval.
The Washington Department of Natural Resources this week used one of its firefighting helicopters to haul abandoned boats off an uninhabited island in the southernmost reaches of Puget Sound, where vessels had come to rest after drifting with the currents, and fly them to the mainland to be deconstructed later.